PREP CROSS COUNTRY: Ousted coach draws support from community

"The alleged infraction was so relatively minor in nature compared to the possibility our students, our children, being injured," said Clay. "We thought he was doing his duty in protecting students."

Clay, Larios, Valadez and Bonilla plan to protest at the school district's board of trustees meeting Wednesday.

Clay said McGregor is not permitted to attend a closed session meeting where the board of directors plan to affirm the coach's dismissal.

The parents feel the team's runners are being deprived of a unique opportunity to not only maximize their abilities as athletes, but have a coach that hones them into well-rounded individuals away from the track.

"I was the first one in my family to go to a four-year college, so I had no idea even apply for the schools," said Grand Canyon University runner Brooke Sutton, who ran for McGregor as a senior last year. "(McGregor) helped me with everything, all my applications and everything. When I started cross country my sophomore, my very first practice, I could barely run two miles. By the end of the season, I was up to 10 miles."